S 1036 Requires Attorney General handle investigation and prosecution of crime involving a person’s death by a law enforcement officer

S 1036

Requires Attorney General handle investigation and prosecution of crime involving a person’s death by a law enforcement officer

NJEA supports S-1036 (Sweeney) which provides that the Attorney General handle the investigation and prosecution of crime involving a person’s death by a law enforcement officer, while acting in an officer’s official capacity or while in custody. The legislation further requires trial in a venue outside county where the incident occurred.

Currently, the investigation and prosecution of crime involving a person’s death by law enforcement is conducted by the county prosecutor’s office. The purpose of this legislation is to avoid conflicts of interest by having the Attorney General’s office handle such investigations. Fatal shootings involving law enforcement have occurred across the nation and have divided communities and strained relationships with law enforcement.

NJEA supports this legislation as it is designed to provide a more transparent approach to the investigation of deaths involving law enforcement during official duty. Having independent investigations would help to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system and build trust within communities. Ultimately, NJEA is committed to the human and civil rights of our members, students, their families and the communities in which they live.